Danbury Elderly Services Partners With Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter is partnering with the Danbury Department of Elderly Services to present two seminars on Alzheimer's during the month of November at the Elmwood Hall Senior Center. Events are open to the public.
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DANBURY, Conn. -- Knowing the early signs of Alzheimer's provides you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical trials and plan for the future.

In an effort to help residents learn those signs, The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter is partnering with the Danbury Department of Elderly Services to provide the "Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters and Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related" programs during National Alzheimer’s Awareness and Family Caregiver Appreciation Month in November.

Tina Hogan, Northwestern regional coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, will present the program from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 6. During the event, attendees will hear from people who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs in themselves and others.

The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts, Hogan said: "We’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s in America."

The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter estimates there are 73,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Connecticut. There are 177,000 caregivers helping those affected with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in Connecticut. The caregivers give more than 200 million hours of unpaid care each year to family members, friends and colleagues. If paid, this care would be worth more than $2.5 billion.

Hogan will present a second program -- Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior -- from 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 18.

During the middle stage of dementia, the person with the disease often starts to exhibit new behaviors that can be confusing for a caregiver. Attendees will be able to identify common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia, explain the process for assessing and identifying challenging behaviors, list strategies to address some common dementia-related behaviors.

Both programs are free and open to the public at the Danbury Department of Elderly Services at 10 Elmwood Place.

Throughout November, patrons of the Danbury Department of Elderly Services can purchase a paper Forget Me Not Flower for $1 to honor of those caring for or living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. All flowers purchased will be displayed in Elmwood Hall. Proceeds from the flowers will fund programs, services and research of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter. For more information on Forget Me Not Flowers and Educational programs, call 203-797-4686.